A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State, on Wednesday remanded Oruhu Emmanuel Odey, a suspected fake lawyer, over allegations of impersonation, fraud, stealing, and forgery.
Odey was arraigned before Magistrate Olisegun Ayilara on a four-count charge. Prosecutor Mr. Saheed Anifowose told the court that between December 15, 2020, and May 9, 2021, Odey posed as a legal practitioner to deceive Dr. Olujuwon Philips Towoju into purchasing two houses at Oroki Estate, Osogbo, fraudulently obtaining N18.5 million in the process.
The act allegedly contravened Sections 109 and 419 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume 2, Laws of Osun State.
The defendant was also accused of stealing the N18.5 million, contrary to Section 383 and punishable under Section 390(9), and forging the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stamp and seal on a petition to the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, violating Section 467 of the Criminal Code.
Odey, who had no legal representation, pleaded not guilty to all charges. The magistrate recalled that Odey had appeared before him in 2020, a fact the accused admitted, and noted that Odey is currently studying Law at Benue State University.
Members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Osogbo Branch, including former chairman Mr. Yemi Abiona and current chairman Mr. Mauruf Adediran, attended the court proceedings, representing the association as a nominal complainant.
Magistrate Ayilara ordered Odey’s remand at the Ilesa Correctional Centre and adjourned the case till October 21 for mention.